The US Senate just voted to overturn the 20-year mining ban in the Boundary Waters watershed.
This is not the outcome we hoped for. Though Senator Tina Smith spoke for hours on the Senate floor last night to try to stop the vote, the measure passed. The vote was 50-49 along mostly party lines, with just two Republicans, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, joining all Democrats in opposition.
It’s important to note that this isn't the end of the story. The resolution does not change the state or federal permitting process, which will likely be lengthy. Twin Metals will still have a significant environmental review process before permitting begins—and the next Minnesota governor could play a significant role in that process.
To quote Senator Smith, “We will not stop our work to protect the Boundary Waters. Of all the places we have in this country, this place has such special meaning. It is a sacred place, and we will never stop defending it.”